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Kids Health Info

Fever in children

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    Key points

    • A fever is when the body's temperature rises to 38°C or more – usually due to an infection.
    • Fevers are common in children. They are a sign that the body’s immune system is working.
    • There is no need to treat your child’s fever if they seem otherwise well and comfortable.
    • See a doctor or health professional if you are worried about your child and think they seem very unwell.
    • If your baby is under three months old and has a fever above 38°C, you should take them to a doctor as soon as possible.

    What is a fever?

    A fever is when the body’s temperature rises to 38°C or more. Fevers are common in children and are a normal response to infection; in fact, they may help the immune system fight off infections.

    Doctors usually focus on the cause of a fever, not the exact temperature. If your child has a fever, it is more important to monitor them for other symptoms, rather than repeatedly checking their temperature. For example, if your child has a fever along with a runny nose or cough, it is important to watch their breathing.

    While fevers are not always a cause for concern, you should still be alert. If your child seems unusually unwell, it is best to speak with a doctor or health professional.

    Signs and symptoms of fever

    Your child has a fever if their temperature is 38°C or more.

    They may also:

    • be unhappy and uncomfortable
    • feel hot to touch
    • be irritable or crying
    • have a headache
    • act more sleepy than usual
    • feel sweaty
    • have a rash or skin colour changes
    • be shivering or have chills.

    Taking your child’s temperature

    There are a few ways to take a child’s temperature. Each one measures temperature differently, and the results can vary depending on the type of thermometer you use.

    The best ways to check your child's temperature are:

    • under their arm with a digital or alcohol thermometer
    • in their ear using an ear (also called tympanic) thermometer – not recommended under six months of age.

    Two different types of thermometers being used on children. On left-hand side, under-arm thermometer being used on a baby of asia descent. On the right-hand side, an in-ear thermometer being used on a white child.
    Figure one: Two different types of thermometers – under-arm thermometer (left) and in-ear thermometer (right).


    Always follow the thermometer’s instructions to get an accurate temperature reading.

    Feeling your child’s forehead may be a quick way to check for a possible fever, but you should check with a thermometer if you need to be sure.

    Forehead infrared and plastic-tape thermometers can be unreliable at measuring children's temperatures.

    How to care for a fever at home

    Many different illnesses can cause fevers; viral infections are the most common.

    Fevers usually go away with rest and support.

    Lowering your child’s fever will not make their infection go away faster or prevent febrile seizures.

    There is no need to treat your child’s fever if they seem comfortable and are drinking fluids. However, there are some things you can do to help them feel better:

    • Offer your child small amounts to drink regularly. Many children do not want to eat when they have a fever. This is generally not a problem, as long as they stay hydrated.
      • If your child is under six months, offer extra breastfeeds or more frequent bottle feeds.
      • If your child is over six months, you can offer them water, apple juice mixed with water or oral rehydration solution.
    • Give your child paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if the fever is making them miserable or they have other symptoms, such as a sore throat. Carefully follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Never give aspirin to children unless a doctor prescribes it.
    • Do not give your child a cold bath or shower. The cold water may make them uncomfortable and cause them to shiver more.
    • Dress your child in light clothes so they are not too hot or cold. You do not need to put them in warm clothes if they are shaking from a fever – this could make them overheat.

    Febrile seizures

    Some children can have seizures (fits) when they have a fever. These are called febrile seizures. Your child may have a febrile seizure if their temperature goes up suddenly. Sometimes, a febrile seizure is the first sign of a fever.

    Febrile seizures can be scary to watch, but they are common and rarely cause any long-term health effects.

    If your child has a febrile seizure and it is their first seizure, it lasts more than five minutes, or they do not wake up after it stops, call an ambulance (000) immediately. Otherwise, take your child to see a doctor or health professional.

    When to get help

    Call an ambulance (000) if:
    • your child is struggling to breathe, blue or very pale.
    • you cannot wake your child.
    • your child has a seizure for the first time.
    • your child has a seizure that lasts more than five minutes.
    • your child has a seizure and does not wake up when it stops.

    Go to a hospital if:
    • your child is under one month old and has a fever above 38°C.
    • your child has a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) and a fever above 38°C.

    See a doctor or health professional if:
    • your child is under three months old and has a fever above 38°C.
    • your child seems to be getting sicker.
    • your child is not getting better after two days.
    • your child also has the following symptoms:
      • stiff neck or light hurts their eyes
      • constant headache
      • vomiting and not keeping any food, drinks or medicines down
      • rash – especially a rash that does not turn skin colour when you press on it (non-blanching rash)
      • trouble breathing
      • worsening lethargy with no bursts of energy.
    • your child usually walks but has stopped and/or no longer seems able to walk.
    • your child has a seizure.
    • you are worried about your child and think they seem very unwell.

    Look after your child at home if:
    • they feel better and have good energy levels between bouts of fever, or after taking paracetamol and/or ibuprofen.
    • they are drinking enough fluids.
    • they are breathing comfortably.
    • they seem to be getting better.

    Common questions about fever in children

    Should I be worried about my child’s fever?

    It is normal to be worried if your child has a fever. However, most fevers are caused by infections that get better on their own and do not need specific treatment. The exception is for very young children. If your child is under one month old with a fever, you should take them to a hospital; if your child is under three months old with a fever, see a doctor or health professional.

    You know your child best. No matter their age, if they seem very unwell and you are worried, it is best to speak to a doctor.

    My child is not eating or drinking with a fever. What should I do?

    It is common for children to lose their appetite when they have a fever. This is not usually a problem, as long as they keep drinking fluids so they do not get dehydrated. If your child is under six months old, offer them extra breastfeeds or more frequent bottle feeds. You could also give them oral rehydration solution. If your child is over six months old, give them water, oral rehydration solution, milk or apple juice mixed with water.

    If your child is only drinking water, you should give them some simple foods like fruit or dry crackers. This will give them more energy.

    Speak with a doctor or health professional if they will not drink or cannot keep anything down due to vomiting.

    How long does a fever typically last?

    Most fevers improve within a week, depending on the cause. However, health professionals often recommend speaking to a doctor if your child has a fever for longer than two days – especially if they develop other worrying symptoms.

    Is it true that you should starve a fever?

    The old saying that you should ‘starve a fever’ is a myth. Fluids are important to focus on when your child has a fever, but it is okay for them to eat, too.

    Can I give my child paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time?

    Either paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually enough to help a child with a fever. However, it is safe to give both at the same time, or to give one and then the other according to the medicine pack’s instructions, if needed. If you are giving your child both paracetamol and ibuprofen, make sure you keep track of the doses and when you give them. It may also help to set a timer on your phone to remind you when the next doses are due.

    Can teething cause a fever?

    Children who are teething may have a temperature up to 38°C. A temperature above 38°C is not caused by teething; your child likely has an infection. It may be a coincidence that your child is teething and has an infection at the same time, as both are very common in young children.

    My child still has a fever after pain relief medicine. Should I be worried?

    If your child is feeling better and their other symptoms have improved, there is no need to worry about their fever. Paracetamol and ibuprofen may not make the fever go away; the reason for giving these medicines is to make your child feel better.

    You should speak to your child’s doctor if their fever has lasted more than two days without getting better, or if you are worried that they seem very unwell.

    Can I give my child aspirin to help with a fever?

    Never give aspirin to your child unless their doctor has specifically prescribed it for them. It can lead to a dangerous but rare condition called Reye syndrome.

    What natural remedies can I give my child to help them feel better?

    Natural remedies are not recommended for children without advice from a doctor. Your child does not need vitamins to get better more quickly.

    How long should my child stay home from school or childcare with a fever?

    Your child can return to school once they are feeling better and their symptoms have improved, unless their doctor has said otherwise.

    For more information

    Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

    Reviewed September 2025

    Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.


Disclaimer

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.

Updated July 2025

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